A Buyer's Guide to World
Whether you are purchasing a video game system for yourself, a significant other, or a family member (or anybody else) its a big decision. There are four main flavors to chose from, Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. But within those choices there are a multitude of options. PS4 pro/PS4 slim PS Vita, Xbox One X, Xbox One S, Xbone original flavor. Nintendo has like 8 different versions of it handheld and there are a near infinite amount of ways you can put a PC together. My goal will be to break down the options give prices and pro/cons to guide anyone in their purchasing. I will be speaking on all of the options, but to be clear the systems in the current generation that I own are: A PC I built back in 2013 that has some piecemeal upgrades I've thrown in throughout the years, A Nintendo Switch, A PS4 Slim, and a Nintendo 2DS. I will be breaking down all of the options, but I will be supplementing the sections on systems I do not own with outside research (although I have played all of the selections present and have a general familiarity with them).
Nintendo
The Nintendo Switch
OverviewThis is the first true hybrid console/portable system. As the name suggests the system can switch between being played on a television, like a traditional console, and being played on the go. I debated purchasing the switch for awhile and I am glad I finally pulled the trigger and purchased it. The system costs $300 dollars new and even though it can't meet the technical standards set by other modern gaming systems, it more than makes up for it in versatility.
Pros
Even if you don't travel often having the option to pull the system out of the dock and play mobile is amazing. The screen is nice and for most games playing mobile is a great experience. For example, there have been time where I just wanna lie in bed and play or have something on the TV. Playing the Switch in mobile feels good, better than other portable consoles. Because the screen is wider and the controllers are spaced apart my arms/hands didn't cramp up the way they normally do after playing a handheld system for long stretches. I also love that you can use the two "joy cons" controllers that the system comes with to play many games in two player (you can essentially split one controller into two).
The first party titles (games made by Nintendo for Nintendo) are also top notch. I have never been a fan of Zelda, it always seemed that series that would never click with me, (I have played just about every main title) that was until I played Breath of the Wild. BOTW has quickly jumped into being one of my favorite titles of all time (see A World Worth Exploring for more on that). Mario Odyssey was also a fun adventure, that was easy to pick up and play in small doses or for long stretches depending on if I was sitting down to play for a while or just getting ten mins in before bed. Even though the system doesn't have the graphical power of the other current gen systems, I have thought all the games I played on it looked great, particular the first party games.
Cons
The biggest issue right off the bat is the battery life. If you have the system undocked your looking at 2 1/2 to 3 hours of play tops and the plug is on the bottom of the system, so if you're on the go and want to prop up the switch and play hands free you're going to have some serious issues. Also unless you fork out an additional $70 for a pro controller the "joy con" controllers are your default. These are essentially two half controllers that can be used in a multitude of ways. For the most part they get the job done, but I experienced some minor hand cramps and didn't feel I had the same level of control as I did with a standard controller. Also outside of the first party titles, there isn't a whole lot out on the system to play. If you are an avid video gamer you find that you've played everything worth playing that's out now if a matter of months.
Overall- I would highly recommend the system for its first party titles and versatility. The variety of ways you can play the system is very impressive and the ability to play the system on the go is more than just for long trips.
A quick note on the Wii U. The Wii U released late in 2012 and was Nintendo's least successful main line console. Although the system is still available at many retail stores, Nintendo is no longer supporting the console. Many of the best games for the Wii U are being released on the Switch (Mario Kart 8, Splatoon, Smash Bros 4). The Wii U has a screen controller that can be seen as the precursor to the Switch, in that you can play the console in a limited portable mode. The screen controller could not be brought far from the console so it could not be taken on the go. Even if you found a serious sale I would not recommend picking up the Wii U.
2DS/3DS and all the colors in-between
Hey! Don't forget Nintendo still is producing and supporting its true handheld systems. Although this seems strange consider the Switch is also sort of a handheld system, Nintendo released several games for the its 2DS/3DS systems this year. These are more traditional handheld systems that are small, portable, and have a much longer battery life (with the new models getting around seven hours). The prices range from $60 for the standard 2DS, to $200 for the new 3DS. The 2DS and the 3DS can play the same games, the major difference being that the 3DS offers stereoscopic 3D on one of its screens. I personally don't care for the 3D feature, and I have heard different reports regarding it causing headache or minor motion sickness. Both systems are backwards compatible with the very large, and now inexpensive standard DS games.
If your looking for a cheap handheld to play some great games on the go I would recommend one of the 2/3DS systems. Since you can play standard DS titles and 3DS titles the systems have a massive library of games to pick from. Although, there are some technical and aesthetic differences between the systems, I would say generally that they are durable and well made. The higher priced systems, come with bigger screens and slightly improved specs. Additionally, some of the newer titles have graphical and control enhancements on the "new 2DS and new 3DS" (that is actually the name of the system not just me describing it as new). The new 2/3DS are more expensive updated versions of the 2/3DS line. You can also get an XL versions of many of the 2/3DS systems if you want a slightly bigger system/screen.
Recommendation.
Honestly I would recommend picking up either one of the cheaper models, or one of the new ones if you can get it used or on sale. With rising capability and depth in mobile gaming on IOS and Android, along with the Switch offering portable console quality gaming, it appears to me the 3/2DS lines are becoming harder to recommend. I think the depth of the library, which also includes NES, SNES, Gameboy, and Gameboy Advances, on top of the DS titles, along with the portability makes any of the models a worthwhile purchase if you can get a good price. Considering the 3DS has been out for years now you can probably find a used one online. But, I would not recommend paying $200 for any handheld when $300 could get you a Switch.
SONY
PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro
I will start by saying the among the current generation consoles the PS4 has the best library of games. They have many excellent exclusives, Bloodborne, Infamous Second Son, Killzone 4, Horizon: Zero Dawn, Uncharted, Last of Us and more. They also have some games on the horizon that are looking great, God of War 4, Spider-Man, Last of Us Part II. Additionally, the PS4 has had has all of the multi platforms games that have released since it inception, as well asThe PS4 Slim costs $270 for the 500gb version and $300 for the 1tb version. The PS4 Pro costs $400 and comes with 1tb standard. The two versions of the PS4 play all of the same games, with the PS4 pro having slight graphical and performance enhancements because it has slightly better specs. The difference you will experience in performance, between the two versions, is different game to game. Some titles might feature improved framerates or a higher resolution. The exact difference in the specs can be found here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2016/11/09/ps4-pro-vs-ps4-slim-vs-ps4-whats-the-difference/#74fa9e647a8a
The biggest difference is that the Pro can run games in 4K (4K is new high definition standard, with 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is 4 times as many as 1080p HD) with HDR support (HDR stands for High Dynamic Range this gives you deer and richer colors that have a greater contrast making for a better picture). Although, not many titles support full 4K, https://www.gamespot.com/articles/every-ps4-pro-game-that-is-and-isnt-getting-an-upg/1100-6443385/ from what I have seen personally and heard from others the difference in performance, for most titles, is slight. Some newer titles have more noticeable differences, but are likely the kind of changes you wouldn't notice unless you had the two systems playing right next to each other. In the future as developers continue to push what their games are capable of the differences in performance between the Slim and the Pro may become more significant.
Additionally, as the name suggests the PS4 Slim is smaller 288 x 265 x 39 mm and 4.6 pounds compared to the Pro, which is 327 x 295 x 55 mm and 7.3 pounds.
Recommendation: If you want to standard gaming console that will have all the big releases, plus a good library of exclusive titles, you can't go wrong with either version of the PS4. The systems are sleek and small enough to fit into most entertainment set ups. I find the PS4 controllers to be comfortable and precise, but that is just a matter of taste. When choosing between the models, my vote goes towards the Slim, I like that it is a little smaller, quieter, uses a little less power, and has a better price point. If the upgraded performance is something that matters, or you have the income to put an additional $100 into your system purchase the Pro may be the way to go.
PS(P) Vita
This one will be short. Don't get the Vita, SONY's current generation handheld console. Sony is no longer supporting the Vita in any meaningful ways. The system has had an issue with a lack of content since its inception, which lead to terrible sales. I played bit of Borderlands on the Vita at a GameStop, but I have never actually seen someone with it out in the wild. I just can't recommend this when there are so many other mobile options especially at the standard price of $225.Microsoft Xbox
The Past
The Xbox One had a troubled launch when it was first announced, with a high price point, and the system having a constant internet connection and be "always on". The Xbox One also forced you to buy the Kinect (an interactive camera system) with the system. The system also had a hard time justifying a purchase because of lack of exclusive titles and quickly fell behind the PS4 in sales.
Now that the system has been out for several years I think there is a stronger argument to purchase one of the Xbox One consoles, but I still have some reservations about making a recommendation.
The Present
The price and the specification for the console make it much easier to recommend. You are no longer forced to purchase a Kinect and the price for the standard console has gone down considerably originally the standard Xbox one cost $499.99 (compared to the original PS4 being $399.99), The Xbox One S 500 gb version is now $220 without a bundle, you can also pick up an Xbox One original for $140 here: https://www.n1wireless.com/microsoft-xbox-one-500gb-blue-console-and-power-cable -only.html?fee=4&fep=4720
The Xbox One X and the Xbox One S
The Xbox One X is the most powerful gaming console on the market. With a price of $499.99 it is slightly more powerful than the PS4 Pro full comparison of stats here: https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/30/16569422/sony-ps4-pro-vs-microsoft-xbox-one-x-spec-comparison
The Xbox One X offers visual and performance upgrades over the Xbox One S and all of the other available consoles. As with the PS4 Pro there is not a huge amount of support right now for the upgraded console, and the differences in visuals in performance will differ from game to game. As of right now I don't personally think the differences are notable enough warrant the extra money, but they may become more significant as time goes on.
Although the One X is more powerful, for the price and the content I would recommend getting the One S right now. If you have the money and want a future proof system that has the best specs outside of PC gaming the One X may be the system for you, HOWEVER...
I can recommend the Xbox One line on the strength of its consoles and for its third party support, but I cannot recommend the system for the exclusive titles. Just to clarify, what I mean is the Xbox One has a strong library of games that have come out for all of the platforms, but the library of games that has only come out for the Xbox One is weaker than that of the other systems. The Xbox One has had issues with exclusive titles since its inception with Halo 5 coming out too late, and with too little content (5 hour campaign and no local coop). There were a handful of gems such as Sunset Overdrive or Dead Rising 4 (although Dead Rising will eventually get a PC port), but now all of the titles that are coming out as Xbox exclusives are also being released on the Windows Store for PC. So you really want to play Gears of War 4, or Sea of Thieves, but you have only have a computer? Good news you don't need to buy and Xbox One to play the hottest new Xbox One titles as long as you are into...
P.C. Gaming
In all seriousness, gaming on a PC is extremely versatile and has a lot to recommend. Want to play with a PS4 controller, how about an Xbox One controller, 360 controller, SNES modified with a USB connection? All these can be used on a PC. I personally have a PS4 controller and a 360 controller, which I use for games that don't work well with a keyboard and mouse, such as platformers.
You can also pick what you pay for and upgrade as you go. No matter your budget there is a computer out there for you. You can spend $3,000 and have the most advanced gaming experience around or $200 for a modest system that can play indie titles older games, and modern games with the settings down. Also once you have your system you can upgrade it without having to get a whole new system. After a few years you can get a new graphics card, or more RAM, or even a new processor. Sometimes a small upgrade can make a PC feel new again, I recently upgraded to a 500 gb solid state drive, which was only $100 on sale and my PC was moving like new again (I still have my 1TB HDD for excess files and games I'm not currently playing).
PC has also moved almost entirely to digital distribution (no more hard copies of games) and many games can be picked up a fraction of their full price through websites like Humble Bundle or Steam sales. There is a massive library of games to play on PC from this generation and generations past and from a variety of different systems, many classic titles have been ported in one way or another to PC.
Also you're not just getting a gaming console when you build or purchase a PC. All the other things you normally do on a computer from video editing to doing your taxes can be done right on your gaming console. I did a lot of my work in lawschool on my gaming PC because the screen was bigger and my keyboard was nicer than my laptop's.
The biggest downside is size, most gaming computers will go in a mid tower or full tower case and these take up a lot of room and can be quite heavy. Gaming PCs can be a pain to move around, and if you don't have steaming gadgets, like the steam link, trying to play games in your den instead of at a desk can be difficult. Also although you can hook up multiple controllers to one PC I have found with my PC that it is not an easy system to hook up to the TV and play with a bunch of friends. I would often have to move my PC from my desk to my TV and then sync my two PS4 controller with my PC's Bluetooth and even then I had some problems playing certain games coop.
On the flip side of that playing with friends and strangers online on the PC is a breeze. Unlike the PS4 and Xbox One, online gaming with a PC does not require you to pay for a subscription. There are also many different chat options, such as ventrillo or discord.
Overall I think PC gaming is the best option for a serious gamer. PCs have the ability to tweak setting on games and have the latest tech under the hood, as well as use various controllers, and a mouse and keyboard. With various different platforms to get games and excellent online services PC gaming has many pros. However, if you just want a system to have in your den (TV room) to play with friends or you don't want to spend very much money, a console may be the better option. I would recommend a PS4 Pro or Xbox One S over there more expensive counterparts if you want a casual console gaming experience. The switch is a great system for its versatility and if you want great family friendly titles you can't beat Nintendo. If you're between any of the current generation system and want to reach out to me, I would be happy to help.
As a quick aside, if you want to get into gaming and its never been your thing or you just want a cheap entertainment box for your entertainment center you may want to consider buying something from the previous generation. You can find great deals online for used Xbox 360s and PS3s. Both systems have large libraries, have your standard media apps (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube), and you can pick up the best games on the system for a fraction of what you would pay for a brand new current generation game. The jump from the pervious generation to the current generation was not as noticeable as it has been in the past, and almost all of the hits from the previous generation still hold up just as well today.
Comments
Post a Comment